Extract from Thomas Jefferson’s “A Summary View of the Rights of British America”

[July 1774]

America was conquered, and her settlements made and firmly established, at the expence
of individuals, and not of the British public. their own blood was spilt in acquiring
lands for their settlement, their own fortunes expended in making that settlement
effectual. for themselves they fought, for themselves they conquered, and for themselves
alone they have right to hold. no shilling was ever issued from the public treasures
of his majesty or his ancestors for their assistance, till of very late times, after
the colonies had become established on a firm and permanent footing.

MS (DLC); in hand of Anderson Bryan, with additions and corrections by TJ. Published in PTJ, 1:121–37.